Latin: Dermestes lardarius
In the genus of skin beetles called Dermestidae, is found the Dermestes Lardarius bettter known as larder beetle or bacon beetle. It belongs to the group of insects that clean up in nature. But it is differently coveted if it does damage to housing or industry.
Appearance
The adult Dermestes Lardarius has a brownish-black color and is known for its light brown jagged band that runs across the front half of its back. An adult Dermestes Lardarius grows between 7 and 9 millimeters.
The larvae almost share color with the adult beetle, as they have a consistent dark brown color on the body. However, the underside of the larvae is slightly lighter. The larvae are clearly articulated and have long bristles protruding from all its joints. The rear visible joint is equipped with two dark chitin hooks.
The larva grows up to 13 mm long.
Biology and behavior
The Dermestes Lardarius belongs to a group of insects that specialize in cleaning up nature, feeding on the remains of animals and tissue. In this way, they are beneficial to the cycle of nature, as they, through their way of life, clean up and use the resources.
Dermestes Lardarius lays its eggs in abandoned tissue. But the beetle goes a step further, and its larvae can feed on both the soft flesh and the dry parts such as cartilage, hides, and dried-in meat residues.
Dermestes Lardarius is by no means picky. And in addition to the carcasses left in nature, the beetle can live well on foods such as smoked and salted meat, dry cheese, animal feed, dog biscuits or foods such as oatmeal and similar plant-based foods.
Dermestes Lardarius lay eggs all summer. Once the egg has hatched, the larval development begins. The development of the Dermestes Lardarius larvae lasts about a month if its conditions are favorable. Under normal circumstances, the larvae will leave their first habitat and seek out a new sheltered place where they can pupate. Often a crack or hole. The larva can gnaw several centimeters into woodwork and other materials.
Dermestes Lardarius usually live only one generation, it overwinters as an adult and swarms in April-May. It can fly, and therefore easily spreads to new places, which it does in the spring.
Damage
In its search for a good place to pupate, the larva can cause chaos. It can, without hesitation, gnaw its way into woodwork, cardboard boxes, or the like. In workshops and warehouses, the Dermestes Lardarius can therefore pose a great risk of damage, as it can destroy crops or equipment.
In houses, the Dermestes Lardarius can also do damage. However, not to the same extent as in, for instance, seed or feed stores. If a Dermestes Lardarius shows up in the home, there is a good chance that it has evolved into food or feed. But it is also likely to have evolved from larvae into a dead mouse under the floor, into a pigeon in the attic, or into a dead bird outside.
The adult beetles are excellent aviators and can move over long distances without major problems. It is therefore not certain that the residence of the Dermestes Lardarius is found inside the home. The beetle can easily be strayed into the home on its own, just as it can overwinter in unheated places such as attics or basements.
Prevention and pest control
The best way to prevent the Dermestes Lardarius from attacking the house is by storing food, dry food, and the like in securely closed containers so that the beetle cannot gnaw its way through the packaging. If you have a ceiling or basement, you should also regularly inspect the area for signs of dead mice, insects, or birds as well as abandoned nests. All signs of animals should be removed from the house immediately. In addition to removing dead animals and abandoned nests, it can be a good measure to treat the surroundings with a pesticide. Among other things, there are different types of insect powders and pesticides for this purpose. Be aware, however, that not all means may be used in areas where food is stored.
"Pests in House and Home"
"Bed Bugs - Bites, Stings and Itches"
"Food Pests"
"Husets dyreliv" (Insects Around the House - Only danish)
"Skadedyr i træ" (Timber Pests - Only danish)
"Stuefluen" (Common Housefly - Only danish)